The Connection Between Stress and Your Stomach

Many teens think stomach discomfort is caused only by food, but stress plays a powerful role in how the gut behaves. When you feel overwhelmed by school, sports, friendships, or expectations, your body sometimes sends the stress to your stomach. This can look like nausea, cramping, loss of appetite, or feeling sick before big events.

The gut and the brain are connected through a communication system known as the gut brain link. When your mind is anxious, your gut feels it too. Learning to support both is an important part of teen wellness. Practices like breathing exercises, journaling, mindful meals, and moving your body can help calm the nervous system and bring comfort back to your digestion.

If you have ever felt nervous before a presentation or lost your appetite during a stressful week, that was your gut responding to your emotions. It is normal and it is something you can learn to manage with care and self awareness. You do not need a perfect routine to begin. Start by checking in with your body each day. Ask how you are feeling and what your body needs. A calmer mind often leads to a calmer gut.